Colorado Buffaloes freshman tennis player Lani Brotman has begun her collegiate career with a strong start, contributing to the team’s 2-0 record in the spring season. Brotman, who comes from Carrollton, Texas, was a 5-star recruit and ranked among the top 50 junior players in the United States before joining Colorado.
Head coach Anthony Pham commented on the team’s recruiting approach: “Our goal is always to find the best student athletes we can,” Pham said. “With Lani and our two other freshmen, I think they’re doing a great job of finding their way and buying in to what the scene is about, and where we want to take our program.”
During the fall season, Brotman posted a singles record of 7-4 and an 8-4 mark in doubles matches. She played alongside fellow freshmen Yukiko Ikedo and Heidi Crncan as well as upperclassmen Pia Rebec and Ema Bubalo.
Reflecting on her transition from junior competition to college tennis, Brotman said: “I knew a bit of what college tennis would feel like, but once the spring started it was a whole new feel,” Brotman said. “It’s a different feeling from junior competition, and definitely different with a team,” Brotman said. “It’s so fun knowing that there are people to support you during your match and being able to support my teammates as well.”
Brotman’s dual match debut came at No. 5 singles and No. 3 doubles with Rebec against Montana State and Air Force. She described her first experience: “It was definitely scary at first,” Brotman said. “But I knew that if I did the things I had been training for, it would work out. Obviously, nerves take over, especially at the beginning of matches, but I know the coaches and my team will be there to help me through it, which is comforting, knowing you have that support.”
She earned her first dual match singles win against Montana State’s Kavya Khirwar in straight sets (6-1, 7-6 (3)), while she and Rebec won their doubles match against Air Force’s Kojonroj and Rhoades (6-4).
Brotman acknowledged the guidance she receives from more experienced teammates: “As a freshman you don’t always know what to do when you first get there. But once I watch the juniors and seniors doing their thing, it’s so helpful and less stressful knowing I don’t have to figure it out on my own.”
The Buffaloes are set to continue their season on January 30 with a home match against Miami (Ohio). Updates are available via @cubuffstennis.
